Bahrain and the Formula One Race: Drivers Should be Informed

April 2012

PHR calls on the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the governing body of the Formula One, to hold a briefing conducted by human rights defenders and those familiar with the human rights situation in Bahrain.

"Drivers and the media should know the current political situation in Bahrain, and the international media covering the event should have the ability to freely engage and cover the issues surrounding the Formula One race," said Physicians for Human Rights’ Deputy Director Richard Sollom.

"International sports fans deserve to know the proper context for the race and the current situation in Bahrain. In fact, just this week Physicians for Human Rights expressed concern about the Government of Bahrain’s tear gas attacks, which we suspect could have severe health impacts on the population,” added Sollom.